1
as in misrepresents
to give a misleading impression of
his bright smile belied his actual mood, which was really one of great sadness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in refutes
to prove to be false
the latest information belies the old theory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in conceals
to keep secret or shut off from view
the security council issued false assurances that belied the true gravity of the situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of belies
But the mythology of CBS’s storied journalistic past belies a more nuanced reality.
—
Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
Its miniscule size belies an outsized global role.
—Vivienne Walt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
The audio has a fullness and bass response that belies the speaker size.
—Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025
His stoicism on the sideline belies the emotion that erupts in meaningful situations.
—Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
The monitor, which weighs only 780g, has an airiness that belies its sturdy design.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
When apparent objectivity belies bias While naming wars after both participants seemingly avoids these biases, what becomes evident is that the order in which participants are listed matters.
—Esther Brito Ruiz, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
His demeanor, his maturity, his articulation of thought, belies his years — the son of two physicians who count Barack Obama, LeBron James and other high-profile figures among their circle of friends.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
The record belies this misdiagnosis.
—Isaac Schorr, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025
Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
Its miniscule size belies an outsized global role.
—Vivienne Walt, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
The audio has a fullness and bass response that belies the speaker size.
—Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025
His stoicism on the sideline belies the emotion that erupts in meaningful situations.
—Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
The monitor, which weighs only 780g, has an airiness that belies its sturdy design.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
When apparent objectivity belies bias While naming wars after both participants seemingly avoids these biases, what becomes evident is that the order in which participants are listed matters.
—Esther Brito Ruiz, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
His demeanor, his maturity, his articulation of thought, belies his years — the son of two physicians who count Barack Obama, LeBron James and other high-profile figures among their circle of friends.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
The record belies this misdiagnosis.
—Isaac Schorr, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belies
Verb
-
This statement fundamentally misrepresents how research is done.—
Brendan Harley,
Twin Cities,
11 Sep. 2025
-
This statement fundamentally misrepresents how research is done.—
Brendan Harley,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Ex-contractor likens Gaza aid effort to 'The Hunger Games,' former employer refutes claims One meal a day.—
Gram Slattery,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
However, in a blog on the topic, the NPS refutes the idea that one park is more deadly than any other.—
Owen Clarke,
Outside,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The interior of the bag conceals four roomy pouches for storing your toiletries, all of which contain leakproof PVC pockets to minimize the damage of spillage.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Dubbed Tonerbox, this compact fitness station features a sleek, minimal design that cleverly conceals a full, multi-functional gym.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Especially for a complex negotiation surrounding a shutdown, what’s technically true is often presented in a way that obscures the full picture.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The treacle, in any case, obscures noble intentions.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Target’s sale has discounts on thousands of storage furniture pieces, like this soft and roomy fleece bench with a lift-top and this cabinet that discreetly hides and deodorizes trash cans.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Oct. 2025
-
The haziness of the energy balance hides this brief imbalance, which allows the virtual particles to influence the real world.—
Dipangkar Dutta,
The Conversation,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Belies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belies. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share